The 160km/h Traxx locomotives will have a nominal output of 6MW and the first units are scheduled for delivery in 2017. The Shekels 1bn ($US 260m) order includes an option for 32 additional units.

Tenders for the contract were launched last July and according to press reports attracted interest from Alstom, CAF, CNR, CSR, Hyundai Rotem, Pesa, Siemens and Škoda.